Residential Landscaping 101: Common Garden Pests and Solutions

1. June 16, 2017 Residential Landscaping 101: Common Garden Pests and Solutions A well-maintained garden is a beautiful one. But the reality is that there is not one garden in the world that is entirely free of pests. Insects, slugs, and small critters such as rabbits and opossums are a natural part of a garden’s ecosystem. Unfortunately, they can cause mold, mildew, rot, and other damage if not controlled properly. Here are some landscaping tips for homeowners who are looking to do a natural, chemical-free pest control. Fence Installation A physical barrier can discourage garden visitors such as dogs and rabbits. Set the posts a few inches deep into the ground so as to not be easily knocked over. If you are trying to dispel Page | 1

2. larger animals such as a deer, you might want to use a taller fence. To keep birds and other winged creatures away from your fruit tree, drape a net or lightweight mesh around the tree area. Coffee Grounds Many garden pests hate the smell of coffee. Slugs, cats, and even deer can be deterred from getting near your garden just because of the smell. Aside from repelling pesky pests, coffee can also be beneficial for your plants. By nature, coffee is acidic and can be a natural additive for plants that thrive in an acidic environment. It also adds nitrogen to the soil, which will promote plant growth. Plant Pest Resistant Varieties Riddling your garden with pest resistant plants may just save the plants you love from damage. You can choose a complementary plant to the one you have now to keep the theme. If you are growing tomatoes, for example, oregano and basil are great companions. They can be used to tie many tomato-based dishes together and because of their strong smell, pests will not want to get close to your tomatoes. Fungal Infection Control Mold and mildew can wipe out your entire garden in an instant. To prevent fungal growth, there are several things you can do. When planting, give space between one plant to another. Fungus needs moisture to grow, and tightly spaced plants can promote this especially after a rainy day. If any of your plants do get infected, immediately remove them from your garden. If you are using homemade compost, don’t add those plants to your compost pile to prevent re- infection. It is best to get rid of pests using natural methods, especially if you are living with kids or pets. This way, you can minimize their contact with the chemical component of commercial repellants. Use commercial repellants only when absolutely necessary. There are so many aspects to maintaining your garden. The key is not to get overwhelmed with all the work and rules. Regularly consult with an expert landscaping company for your gardening needs and problems. Page | 2

3. About Lawn Frogs Landscapes: Since 2003, we at Lawn Frogs Landscapes have been providing lawn-related services in Woodstock and North Atlanta area. Our equipment are regularly maintained, disinfected, and cleaned to prevent the spread of diseases. We use only professional tools that meet or exceed EPA emission standards to help keep the environment clean. Sources: 4 Natural Ways to Control Garden Pests, BHG.com How to Keep Your Yard and Garden Pest-Free without Harsh Chemicals, LifeHacker.com Page | 3